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Reviewing reviewers isn’t really the norm around these parts; I’m not a music news blogger or someone who tends to reblog things. However, one of the people I’m following over at my Tumblr blog (now my personal blog) pointed me in the direction of this compelling look at the importance of Isaac Hayes to the history of soul music. Written by Andy Gill, it’s an incredibly relevant and insightful look at why the successes of Isaac Hayes’s inventions paved the way for the careers of many others whom we consider to be the greatest performers in soul music and hip-hop. Take a minute to go read this article. (Independent.Co.Uk; HT The Rich Girls are Weeping)
It is with a very heavy heart that I write about the passing of one of Memphis music’s living legends, the incomparable soul impresario and composer Isaac Hayes. The shocking news of his untimely death has sent shockwaves through the music community here in Memphis, many (like me) struggling for some way to place the impact of his life’s work into personal perspective.
“Ike”, as he was known to his friends and colleagues, seems to me may have been ill for some time. It was well known, though not often spoken about, that Ike had long struggled with diabetes. The impact on his health is something I can only guess about, but I remember seeing him at the Recording Academy Honors this past fall and shaking his hand to say hello. His affable, open and pleasant demeanor was something he never shied away from even at the height of his celebrity. I was struck, then, to realize at that time the frailty of his handshake and the distance in his voice as I greeted him. Having known Ike since I was very little, and seeing him there in that situation, I was given pause. Commenting about the situation afterwards to friends, I have to believe that his closest friends and family members were aware that he was not in good health.
As recently as this week, Ike could be seen in advertising locally for a heart clinic running on a treadmill, not unlike the one next to which he was found. I made the comment to a friend, based on seeing the commercial, that I was somewhat surprised to see Isaac looking and sounding so well. I would be willing to venture a guess that this commercial has been pulled, so there’s no point in looking around for it.
I am really terrible at writing eulogies or tributes and, to be simple and direct, I’m kind of a mess right now about this. The music that Isaac Hayes brought to the world, the meaning of his work to American soul music, the long-reaching impact of his immense body of work, is something that I can’t really put into perspective right now. I just feel like I’m struggling to put the whole thing together in my head.
I know, however, that my understanding of the Memphis that is a part of my life will never be the same to me after the loss of Isaac Hayes. My condolences to his many friends and family members.
Loudersoft is proud to present Tuesdays at Dish every Tuesday night starting in August. No cover charge, weekly drink specials and new music provided by E.J.
Feel free to repost or publish this flyer anywhere you would like. Hope to see you next Tuesday.
Iggy & The Stooges have had their van and all of their gear stolen early this morning in Montreal. A complete list of stolen gear appears after the jump & I hope (if you are around that area or in the United States near that area) you’ll take time to check the list. If you have a blog or a music site, please spread the word to your friends in Canada.
In a quite fair, though surprisingly swift and wide-reaching manner, much has been made of Justin Vernon’s songwriting and of his band, Bon Iver. Their remarkable EP For Emma, Forever Ago, is an album so simple and subtle in its beauty that it could end up lost in the shuffle of your playlist. We are so fortunate that from this small voice has come one of 2008’s most beloved recordings. If your heart was ever broken and you knew it, Justin’s falsetto overtones and wrenchings of lost love spoke to you at a time when you needed to hear them. And like magic, Bon Iver has become the little band from Wisconsin who could.
Oblige the kind folks at Daytrotter, then, with a visit to their site to listen to Bon Iver’s particularly looming discontent that is all throughout their wonderful Daytrotter Session today.
Bon Iver - Flume (Daytrotter Session)
To get the rest of these wonderful tracks, head over to Daytrotter by clicking here.
I just haven’t been updating lately and I don’t know why. I am listless and bored with everything (not to mention being deep in the struggle), I found myself sleeping less and writing more. Just not here. It’s the mid-summer lull before the cool of autumn prevails. I’m an autumn baby, you see, so we suddenly bloom when the leaves are turning their cool oranges and muted browns and such.
Anyways, in my sullied state, I’ve found myself returning over and over to this song all week. Inspired by a request from I’m Waking Up To…” (asking what folks wake up to in the morning), I’ve decided to let the cat out of the bag about the one track that does it for me first thing in the morning. It feels empowering and essential, like the sun itself. Over time, I’ve tried the Rotary Connection’s original version, then that of the late Minnie Riperton. As lovely as each was, it did not hold the same power for me as this version, performed by Nuyorican Soul and deeply remixed by the unmistakable loving and powerful genius of London’s 4hero. At times, I find it so beautiful I’m brought to tears. The remix’s broken beat symphony is everything I need to start my day. Maybe you’ll think so, too.
Nuyorican Soul - I Am The Black Gold of the Sun (4hero Remix)
This track is available on 4hero’s very hard to find The Remix Album, Vol. 1 from Amazon.Com.
Before he became a BET & MTV superstar, Robin Thicke was a singer/songwriter from a famous family who, in spite of his connections in Hollywood, was struggling to make his soulful jams in relative obscurity. He was always funky & this track proves it for me. I remember the first time I heard this song, “I’m A Be Alright” was shown (billed only as Thicke) on a commercial for something in around 2002 or 2003 (was it Tommy Hilfiger?), and then it disappeared into the ether just as quickly. By the time his criminally-overlooked album A Beautiful World came out in 2003, I must’ve forgotten about the song and, unfortunately, it didn’t do for Robin Thicke what he deserved. Good thing people finally figured out what A Beautiful World proved — the man got so much soul. I put this song on when I need to be reminded that it’s not nearly as bad as I think it is. I’m a be alright. You will too.
(Robin) Thicke - I’m A Be Alright
You can pick up A Beautiful World at Amazon [cd or mp3] by clicking here.
REWIND: Chant Sweet Freedom with Michael McDonald | That Song from The Karate Kid about Young Hearts
I should have been angry when Cameron asked me to unearth (from anywhere I could find it) this forgotten gem of the 1980’s for him, but it put me on a mission to find a couple of other gems I’d been trying to dig up. I am now prepared to thank him for putting me on that mission because, after all, it worked out. Here, unfiltered, is the one he asked me to find for him: “Young Hearts” by Commuter is from the soundtrack to The Karate Kid and makes an excellent addition to your ’80s repertoire of great overlooked songs. (HT ThePunkGuy.com)
And while I’m at it, let me talk about how much I used to love the movie Running Scared (1986) starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines. Two rough-and-tumble Chicago cops under the supervision of a tough Lieutenant (played by the amazing Dan Hedaya) trying to crack down on a horrible, evil drug dealer (played by Jimmy Smits). The image of Gregory Hines wearing a thong riding a moped through the Florida Keys with a hot girl has destroyed me but is permanently emblazoned in my mind. It’s a funny 80’s buddy comedy, one of those movies you won’t shut off if it comes on cable but you will probably have never heard of it otherwise.
Anyways, the “hit song” from the movie, “Sweet Freedom” by Michael McDonald, is another great forgotten 80’s “feel-good” hit that I never seem to tire of. It may not be as punchy as Michael’s new material proves to be but it’s still one of my favorite singles of the 1980’s.
Michael McDonald - Sweet Freedom
You can purchase The Karate Kid: Original Soundtrack by clicking here.
You can purchase Michael McDonald’s The Ultimate Collection by clicking here.
The music community gives so much to all of us through their commitment to the arts. In celebration of Independence Day 2008, I urge you to participate in Independents Day 08, a charity drive raising money for the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) and the charitable organization of the Recording Academy, my beloved MusiCares.
In addition to being able to purchase a special compilation filled with one-offs and unreleased recordings by great artists, a charity auction is being held on eBay with some phenomenal one-of-a-kind prizes (be a music CEO at Beggars US for a day sound interesting?). You can read further details on all the great things you can win after the jump, plus a listing of the tracks you can get on the Indepenents Day 08 compilation — but remember, the compilation is only available for a limited, 72-hour period of July 4-6 at a special price.
To celebrate the release of their latest CD, Last 2 Walk, Academy Award-winners and local rap impresarios Three 6 Mafia will be giving a free, all-ages show in Memphis on Saturday July 5th. The show will begin at 3pm at the Plush Club on Beale Street & you already know you’d better get there early to get in line (and don’t get upset and act a fool if you roll up at ten minutes to 3 and can’t get in, yo) — once it’s full, it’s full baby! According to Michael “Boogaloo” Boyer of radio station Hot 107.1, Saturday’s one hour extravaganza promises to be a lot of fun for everyone & Three 6 Mafia is thrilled to have this opportunity to give back something special to their many fans in Memphis.
Worried about bringing the kids? Nah, don’t worry. Three 6 promises to make it a CLEAN show. That’s right, totally clean, so don’t worry about bringing your little brothers & sisters or your kids with you. Three 6 Mafia and Hot 107.1 look forward to seeing you downtown on Saturday.
Saturday July 5th, 2008 3pm-?
Plush Club
380 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
Way back in the late 1980’s-early 1990’s, there was another President of the United States in power who looked like (but certainly didn’t sound like) the one we’re about to get rid of. Back then, things were bad. We knew they were bad & getting worse. Something had to give. Fancy, then, how this sonic reminder of the past seems omnisciently fitting to the present. I suggest you listen carefully to this song — every person in America should be playing this song right about now.
Steinski - It’s Up To You (Television Mix)
You can purchase Steinski’s double-CD What Does It All Mean? Retrospective: 1983-2006 by clicking here.
I’ve already talked about how much I love Voxpop’s sound here and here. I’ve told you that their songs are delightful & how I can’t wait to hear them live. So, without being repetitive, here’s another track given to Loudersoft by the band entitled “The Boomerang Generation” for you to enjoy. You can hit those other links for previous downloads if you’re feeling them as much as we are.
Voxpop - The Boomerang Generation
Visit Voxpop on MySpace by clicking here.
Here’s another edition of the Loudersoft Muxtape for your ears. Lots of remixes and randoms this week, guaranteed to get your party going for your July 4th festivities. Want to listen? Visit http://loudersoft.muxtape.com to get your groove on.
Tracklisting:
01 Lil’ Wayne - A Milli (Produced By Bangladesh) 3:42
02 The Cool Kids - Box Of Rocks 3:18
03 Lord T & Eloise - Dance Move (feat. Al Kapone) 3:53
04 Thunderheist - Jerk It 3:54
05 Chrissy Murderbot - Yoshi Track 4:02
06 M.I.A. - Bamboo Banga (DJ Eli Remix) 6:25
07 45 King/Eli/Pase Rock - 900 Number Eli Escobar remix 6:09
08 Black Devil Disco Club & In Flagranti - On Just Foot Forever (In Flagranti Remix) 6:09
09 Chromeo - Bonafied Lovin (Yuksek remix) 4:26
10 MGMT - Electric Feel (Justice Remix) 5:27
11 Marlena Shaw - Rhythm Of Love 3:47
12 Kano - I’m Ready 7:08
(12 songs, 58:20 minutes)